Museu de História Natural e Jardim Botânico da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Natural history museum and botanical garden at Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
The Museu de História Natural e Jardim Botânico is a complex with large forest areas and gardens where thousands of plant species grow. The site combines a natural history museum with an expansive botanical collection, where visitors can explore both exhibition halls and green spaces.
The museum is part of the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte. On 15 June 2020, a fire hit part of its technical reserve; two rooms were severely damaged by smoke and soot, and archaeologists, paleontologists and other specialists worked to rescue what remained. The museum now raises funds on crowdfunding platforms to rebuild.
The botanical garden displays rare plant species from the Atlantic Forest, offering visitors pathways to experience the region's plant diversity firsthand. Many people use this place to learn about Brazil's natural heritage and develop a deeper understanding of forest conservation.
Admission is free, and comfortable shoes are recommended since there is much to explore on foot. It is wise to arrive early in the day to allow enough time for both gardens and exhibitions.
The museum's collection numbers about 265,664 items across archaeology, paleontology, geology, botany, zoology, historical cartography, ethnography and popular art. It also holds photographs and documents relating to the Presépio do Pipiripau, a mechanical nativity scene. On 15 June 2020 a fire hit part of the technical reserve, damaging two rooms with smoke and soot.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,813 contributors worldwide.